Hyttsill – Hot Shop Herring

The combination of the heat from the glowing, molten glass, hearty Småland food, tall stories, pleasantries and glass-blowing – we can promise you won’t find it anywhere else in the world.


‘Hyttsill’ (hot shop herring) is an old tradition in the Kingdom of Crystal that dates from the time when the glassworks was also the local meeting place. It was always warm, there would be someone to talk to, and the cooling pipes (where the glass was slowly cooled to normal room temperature) were always hot and suitable for heating food. The glass-workers would also gather there for a bit. Tramps and hunters provided the stories and entertainment.

This tradition has now developed into a festive evening to which everyone is welcome. When the glass-blowers go home, the long tables in Småland’s glassworks are laid. The chef has cooked salty herring in the cooling pipe where the glass was left to cool earlier in the day. As the name suggests, herring plays a key role and is a must when the tables are laid in the glassworks. Herring is a strong, historical tradition not just in Småland but as an everyday food in the whole of Sweden. At the glassworks, the herring is served with several dishes – Småland specialities – fried pork, ‘isterband’ (coarsely ground smoked sausages), baked potatoes and the Smålanders’ own jam: lingonberry jam. For dessert, Småland’s provincial dish ‘ostkaka’ (a type of Swedish cheese cake) is served with strawberry or raspberry jam and whipped cream.

On a ‘hyttsill’ evening in the Kingdom of Crystal, guests enjoy the sense of community, warmth and good food, just as the tramps and locals have always done. And, of course, a modern-day ‘tramp’ will come and entertain you with songs, music and maybe a bit of local history. In short – a festive evening at the glassworks.

Experience hyttsill at Målerås Glassworks, Pukeberg’s Glassworks, Kosta Glassworks, and for pre-booked groups at Bergdala Glassworks. *(Websites in Swedish, but you can find contact details there.)*

Contact the Kingdom of Crystal for further information


The Kingdom of Crystal

More than a million people travel to the Kingdom of Crystal every year to experience the fascinating process of glass making, and not least to buy glass.

Food experiences

In Småland we make a habit of enjoying nature as often as possible and very often combined with a meal. Food always taste better outside!

Design shops

The best design shops in Småland are often outlets where you shop directly at the manufacturer at bargain prices.

Natural food

In Småland, green food is at the centre. Locally grown produce is preferred and you can find urban cultivations as well as farm shops on the countryside.